Egypt plans to purchase $5.35 billion in weapons and equipment from the US

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of weapons, military goods and services to Egypt under three agreements worth a total of $5.35 billion.

This was reported by the US State Department website.

The largest purchase is expected to be the purchase of 555 kits to upgrade Egyptian M1A1 Abrams tanks to the M1A1 SA level. The cost of this purchase is estimated at $4.69 billion.

In 2023, Ukraine received Abrams tanks of this modification from the United States.

The upgraded tanks will receive a new gunner's sight with an improved Block I 2nd generation thermal imager (FLIR), and an improved rangefinder. The fire control system will be updated to use the new M829A3 and M1028 ammunition.

In addition, a new stabilized remotely controlled machine gun combat module (SCWS) will be installed. The vehicles will also be equipped with an improved power plant and transmission, which will provide greater reliability and durability.

In total, the sale includes 555 sets of AN/VAS-5B driver thermal imagers (DVE-A), 555 thermal imaging sights, M250 smoke grenade launchers, AGT-1500 tank engines and X-1100 tank transmissions. In addition, the supply of spare parts, auxiliary equipment and support services is provided.

The US State Department also made a decision on the possible sale of Hellfire AGM-114R missiles to the Egyptian government and related elements of material and technical support and software support at an estimated cost of 630 million. USD.

A total of 2,183 missiles in the AGM-114R modification are expected to be sold. The supply also includes spare parts, technical assistance from the US government, and comprehensive logistical support.

AGM-114R is an air-to-ground missile; with semi-active laser guidance and a flight range of up to 8 kilometers. It is capable of engaging a wide range of targets thanks to its multi-purpose warhead, including armored vehicles, anti-aircraft defenses, patrol boats, as well as enemy infantry. They are likely to be equipped with 46 Egyptian AH-64D Apache attack helicopters.

Egypt also requested permission to purchase 543 APKWS missiles and related equipment at an estimated cost of $30 million.

APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) – this is a project of the BAE Systems company. Thanks to the integrated semi-active laser guidance system of the missile, the manufacturers managed to turn the 70 mm Hydra unguided air projectile into a cheap but highly accurate missile weapon. There is also a modification with the addition of a non-contact detonator, which allows this missile to effectively intercept air targets.